Canal and River Cruises
Canal and River Cruises
4.5
Historical & Heritage ToursBoat ToursBoat HirePrivate Tours
11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Full view
About
Canal and River Cruises Ltd operate the Lady A, a traditional narrowboat on London's canals, based in the lovely laid-back area of Maida Vale known as Little Venice. We offer private tours for private parties of all sizes between 2 and 8 guests. A canal cruise is ideal for family celebrations, hen parties or just a day out with your friends. Our most popular cruise is 2 hours, slowly following the Regents Canal through Maida Vale and Regents Park and London Zoo before turning around at Camden Lock Market. When you hire the boat we provide crew, but you’ll be the only passengers on board and during Covid-19 restrictions we are an ideal venue for your family and household. Two hour cruises from £250. Special rates for two people from £130 for two hours.
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Canal and River Cruises
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
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4.5
190 reviews
Excellent
146
Very good
39
Average
2
Poor
1
Terrible
2
Alyson
1 contribution
Jun 2023
The weather was fantastic and the experience itself on the canal was lovely.
Unfortunately, when arriving at the boat, we got welcomed by a very stern ' I don't shake hands' and not an even an 'hello, welcome on board' but a 'get right through'. I can be understanding of this but Mike was simply very rude on that occasion and could have simple and politely worded this differently.
Instructions for safety were given abruptly as if we were stupid (perhaps maybe because we were French but I do live in this country and wouldn't speak to my 4 years old daughter this way!).
When the tour finished, we asked if we could have a photograph taken of us and got a refusal. We got off and he left straight away, we didn't even had the time to say goodbye/thank you.
Having good manners don't cost anything but it would have got him more stars on this rating system.
Unfortunately, when arriving at the boat, we got welcomed by a very stern ' I don't shake hands' and not an even an 'hello, welcome on board' but a 'get right through'. I can be understanding of this but Mike was simply very rude on that occasion and could have simple and politely worded this differently.
Instructions for safety were given abruptly as if we were stupid (perhaps maybe because we were French but I do live in this country and wouldn't speak to my 4 years old daughter this way!).
When the tour finished, we asked if we could have a photograph taken of us and got a refusal. We got off and he left straight away, we didn't even had the time to say goodbye/thank you.
Having good manners don't cost anything but it would have got him more stars on this rating system.
Written 13 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
joyce h
Colchester, UK36 contributions
Aug 2022
Five of us went on the Alan Gardiner River cruise on the river Orwell, Ipswich, Essex. lovely boat with a very friendly crew. It takes up to 12passengers. A good commentary on what was of interest, too. The lunch was extremely good, with choices of starters, mains, and desserts. This was provided by one chef in a small galley, and all the meals were served at the same time. Amazing. A high standard of food. Would certainly go again.
Written 2 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mark42139
New York City, NY1,656 contributions
Aug 2022
We really enjoyed this cruise, and felt it was a great experience, and allowed us to experience London's famous waterways firsthand.
Written 21 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
peteandruthsalinger
Bethesda, MD2 contributions
Sept 2021
You today 12/12/2021 published a positive review of Viking cruises.
Uniworld cruises are better than Viking: smaller ships; smaller number of people assigned to daily events; no tips required, because they are built into the cruise fee.
My wife and I have taken several Uniworld cruises, and found them to be highly informative, the crew to be terrific, and the meals to be exquisite!
Uniworld cruises are better than Viking: smaller ships; smaller number of people assigned to daily events; no tips required, because they are built into the cruise fee.
My wife and I have taken several Uniworld cruises, and found them to be highly informative, the crew to be terrific, and the meals to be exquisite!
Written 13 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
paranoidpixie
london48 contributions
Sept 2021
went with my two sisters for a special 50th birthday private canal trip - absolutely wonderful experience! mike gave us enough info to be informative but not intrusive - plentiful supplies of tea and an unexpected cream tea on our return leg with 'proper teapot and china'
realy interesting seeing london from a different angle and loved the houseboats and enjoyed going through the locks at camden.
Can thoroughly recommend the private or group trip . . very relaxing . . everyone we have showed the photos to have been very jealous!
realy interesting seeing london from a different angle and loved the houseboats and enjoyed going through the locks at camden.
Can thoroughly recommend the private or group trip . . very relaxing . . everyone we have showed the photos to have been very jealous!
Written 29 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HeyheyMistaP
35 contributions
Aug 2021
I booked for my birthday in June, unfortunately due to COVID we had to change the date.
Mike was informative throughout the reschedule process.
On the day, we had three hours from Warwick Avenue to Camden (including going through docks and a short visit at Camden Markets).
All in all, it was such a fun time with the family. It was a nice gentle and pleasant ride, with great views along the canal.
It was a nice journey for a good picnic on board, and then able to get more treats at Camden Market. Glad there's a toilet on board too as it is quite a long journey.
Highly recommend the experience, it's a relaxing and different view of London.
Thanks Mike!
Mike was informative throughout the reschedule process.
On the day, we had three hours from Warwick Avenue to Camden (including going through docks and a short visit at Camden Markets).
All in all, it was such a fun time with the family. It was a nice gentle and pleasant ride, with great views along the canal.
It was a nice journey for a good picnic on board, and then able to get more treats at Camden Market. Glad there's a toilet on board too as it is quite a long journey.
Highly recommend the experience, it's a relaxing and different view of London.
Thanks Mike!
Written 5 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
louise b
2 contributions
Jun 2021 • Friends
Fantastic! I booked this trip for a birthday celebration and can't thank Mike enough for making this so easy and stress free! I had some special requirements to confirm with Mike regarding disability and parking and he was quick to respond with all that I needed. The trip was wonderful and I would without doubt do this again.
Written 24 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Violet
14 contributions
Jun 2021 • Friends
We took a cruise for my Sister's 30th and it was absolutely perfect. Mike was very accommodating, allowing us to bring our enormous dog. Our grandma is blind and very frail but the trip was suitable for her. The route is beautiful and just the right length of time. It all felt very covid safe. The boat is simple but with adequate faculties and Mike allowed us to bring some refreshments and make a little party. Would do this again in a flash.
Written 23 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chloe G
London, UK11 contributions
Jun 2020 • Couples
Excellent customer service. I booked a cruise for my 30th birthday, which was cancelled due to the pandemic. We kept a credit note with Mike to postpone the cruise. We ended up postponing a few times, which I can imagine was annoying but Mike was always pleasant and accommodating. Sadly we had to request a refund due to a return to Australia, and Mike was very quick with his responses and sorted out our refund swiftly. Incredibly impressed with the customer service, will be recommending to all our friends and family. Thanks Mike for making our booking experience as stress free as possible. Chloe and Tom
Written 31 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lenny778
London, UK42 contributions
Sept 2020
It's the 5th year I have used the Lady A for their 2 hour cruise from Little Venice to Camden Lock & back.
Even in these troubled times Mike always provides great customer service, and I would highly recommend it for anyone wanting to make the most of better weather and wanting to do something different for an afternoon.
Even in these troubled times Mike always provides great customer service, and I would highly recommend it for anyone wanting to make the most of better weather and wanting to do something different for an afternoon.
Written 28 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Teresa D
2 contributions
We will be staying in the Camden area and would love to do a little boat trip perhaps for an afternoon, this will be in August 2019
AyrunMason
London, UK11 contributions
Why is the only way to find your contact details hidden?
I had to go to improve listing, then suggest an edit to find them?
Trip advisor has suddenly become unhelpful!
Mikey
London, UK73 contributions
This is a deliberate policy by TripAdvisor who have recently removed all website and phone links to the small businesses which they link.
Seems like madness but this is deliberate and there’s nothing we can do about it!
Phone +44 7899800856
Or search for us in google
Thanks
Mike
Canal and River Cruises Ltd
Little Venice
London
AyrunMason
London, UK11 contributions
Trying to book! where do I book? No web address or contact number?
Mikey
London, UK73 contributions
Hi
I’m glad you asked because TripAdvisor have removed all contact details for tours and attractions.
Ithey say this is temporary but until it is fixed you will be able to search google for Canal and River Cruises Little Venice and find my website there. I’m not even allowed to mention it here!
We have a full online booking system available there.
Phone +44 7899 800856
Best regards
Mike
Canal and River Cruises Ltd
Little Venice
London
s m
Melbourne, Australia1 contribution
Hi,
I can’t see how I actually make a booking through this listing. Help!
Mikey
London, UK73 contributions
You can’t book via Trip Advisor
Click the link to our own website or email me but sorry trip advisor doesn’t allow me to send any details!
Regards
Mike
Canal and River Cruises Ltd
936douglasw
Rockhampton7 contributions
Hi
My friend and I are visiting London from Australia in A weeks time. I would love tO take the 5 hour cruise for 2. What happens if it is raining. Do we get to go on another day or do we forfeit our money. Thank you
Mohsen A
London, England, United Kingdom21 contributions
Hi there, how many people does the table at the front of the Lady A comfortably seat? We have a group of 9 people.
Also how would a 2 year old sit (are there any facilities for seating them)?
Thanks!
Vicky Selwyn
London, UK17 contributions
Think it would be a tight squeeze, it would fit four on each side and one on the end with a baby on your lap.
Donna1
Edinburgh, UK41 contributions
How long is the trip?
Mikey
London, UK73 contributions
Well thanks to those who already answered.
The actual facts are that we offer private cruises for one, two, three hours and sometimes more. When you hire LadyA you're hiring the whole boat for your private party of up to twelve people. It's ideal for small groups with something to celebrate or with an interest in the canal.
Mirony62
Aventura, FL
I woyld like to know where do we get the boat. What is the schedule and price. Does it need reservation?? Thank you.
Mikey
London, UK73 contributions
You need to start by looking at our website as we operate rebooked private tours. You choose the time - there's no schedule. Call +44 7899 800856